New walkway canopies at Preston Market complete

The new walkway canopies are fabricated of steel frames, infilled with clear panels, and sit above the internal walkways between the stalls.

They will retain the heat already generated in the Market Hall ensuring an improved environment throughout the year, while still highlighting the underside of the original Preston Markets 1875 canopy.

The refurbished market hall first reopened its doors in February 2018 after a £3m restoration and new-build programme.

Councillor Robert Boswell, Cabinet Member for Environment at Preston City Council said: “I am delighted the walkway canopies are now installed and already making a noticeable difference to the climate in the Market Hall. It is great the completion of the improvements are in place ahead of the busy festive period at Preston Markets.

"Preston Markets is full of excellent products and has remained open for the people of Preston during these tough few months. We need Prestonians to continue to support these local businesses and continue to shop local.”

The 19th-century market was given a new glazed interior, improved outdoor facilities, and food-and-drink led indoor stalls back in its 2018 refurbishment.

And now, new walk way canopies were constructed to compliment the original features of the market, with additional lighting set to be installed in the coming weeks.

Sam Livesey, Chairman of the Traders Association at Preston Markets said: “The completed walkway canopies are welcomed by all the traders at Preston Markets. Since the completion of the installation things are looking promising for the temperature and I am interested to see the difference as we approach the colder months.

"The new canopies sit well under the original structure and during the installation there was minimal, if any, disruption to our trade which we are very grateful for. I would again like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported Preston Markets over the past few months and look forward to a busy festive period.”

David Palmer, Managing Director of DP Structures said: “It was an interesting project to design and manufacture the glass clear membrane to help retain the heat in the Market Hall.

"I was glad we were able to complete the Preston Markets canopy project on schedule without any disruption to the traders in the Market Hall. With the installation complete, you can already notice the improved climate when entering the building.

"The new walkway canopies look great and complement the existing 1875 canopy.”